Lanvin Liz Pouchette

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a handbag so desperately while simultaneously having so little use for it as badly as I want and don’t need the Lanvin Liz Pouchette. Just look at it. It’s a sparkly, retro, crystal-encrusted reference to Art Deco and everything that was fabulous about the Roaring 20s. And since I wasn’t born until more than half a century later, I have to fawn over things like this to live vicariously through the era’s fabulous, rococo aesthetic.

In all seriousness, folks, I think this bag is pretty perfect. I’m not entirely convinced about the weird sort-of-tassel in the corner, but I think a more literal flower would have been a little too obvious and precious, and what I really like about this bag is it walks the line between fashion and costume really, really well. You wouldn’t have to be dressed as a flapper on Halloween to wear it, but the reference is well-played and people that aren’t devoted fashionistas would probably still understand what it was going for. And isn’t that the ultimate test? Fashion is at least somewhat of a democratic art form, and I think all of my friends would understand just why this little fantasy bag is so completely fabulous. Buy through Barneys for $1900.